Ah, the classic case of the rogue ballpoint pen versus the pristine leather sofa. A battle as old as time, or at least as old as couches and clicky pens. The provided context shows you're not alone in this fight; it's a common cry for help across the internet. Since those sources are just fellow sufferers and not the solution squad, allow me to step in.
Before you resort to flipping the cushion over and pretending it never happened, let's try a more sophisticated approach. The golden rule is to always, always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden spot first, like the underside of a flap. We're trying to remove a scribble, not create an abstract masterpiece of discoloration.
Your first and gentlest line of attack is a humble cotton swab dipped in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Think of this as a surgical strike. Gently dab and lightly rub the ink mark, don't scrub like you're trying to sand a floor. You should see the ink begin to transfer onto the swab. Use a fresh part of the swab for each dab to avoid smearing the ink around. This method is often the champion for a reason.
If you're feeling a bit old-school, you can try an aerosol hairspray. It's not magic; the secret ingredient is, you guessed it, alcohol. Spray a little onto a clean cloth, then blot the stain. This is a bit more of a gamble because modern hairsprays have all sorts of oils and conditioners that your leather might not appreciate.
Once the ink is vanquished, the mission isn't over. Alcohol is very drying, and your leather will be thirsty. To prevent it from cracking and looking sad, you must follow up with a good-quality leather conditioner. Gently buff it in to restore moisture and shine. With any luck, your sofa will be returned to its former glory, with no evidence of its impromptu tattoo session.
